PLANS to build 11 three-bedroom houses at a former scrapyard overlooking Farnworth Park have been given the green light by Bolton Council.

An application for the new dwellings, all but one of which would be semi-detached, was approved by the planning committee at a meeting on Thursday.

The new cul-de-sac is set to be built at a former scrapyard in Cross Street – but a neighbour who owns part of the access road onto the site objected.

Park View resident Jane Raynor, who spoke at the virtual planing committee meeting, said her garage opens onto the road leading to the development.

She said: “I will have a severely hampered view until I am two metres outside of my garage, putting pedestrians, myself and other road users at risk of a serious road accident.

“Safety is paramount. I am concerned that I am liable for any accident on my property, as I own the access road land.”

Farnworth councillor Maureen Flitcroft echoed Mrs Raynor’s worries about the garage in Cross Street opening onto a single width road at the virtual meeting.

Speaking at the planning committee meeting, she also raised concerns about inadequate parking, the site lacking space for bin wagons to access the cul-de-sac and the proximity of the residential development to an old gas yard.

She said: “This opportunity before us now is the only chance available to make sure that safety is built into the design. Let’s make sure we get it right.”

Planning agent Paul Sedgwick, who spoke on behalf of the applicant, said that some of the concerns would be addressed through the planning process.

Farnworth councillor Paul Sanders, who sits on the planning committee,  proposed approving the application, but suggested some new conditions.

He said: “I do feel that there is an opportunity here for all options to be looked at to help mitigate the issues and safety concerns around the entrance way and garage and to increase parking provision on site.

“Signage for cars and pedestrians and the placement of mirrors to assist the safe use of the garage could each play a mitigating role.”

Planning officers confirmed that conditions would also ensure there is a footpath link to park and reduced speed around the site would be considered.

The planning committee voted unanimously to approve the application.